February 29, 2012

Wednesday Rangers wrap-up: Prospect flap

The Rangers have created a stir across baseball with the reported signing of Dominican outfielder Jairo Beras. A baseball source said that the Rangers have reached agreement with but have yet to sign the player, who they believe is 17 years old.

However, there is significant debate about Beras' age, with most believing he is 16 years old, and MLB is going to take a look into the matter. A 16-year-old can't be signed until July 2. That's also the date that the cap on international signings goes into effect as part of the new CBA.

Yu Darvish threw 35 pitches -- though our friends in the Japanese media say 36 -- during 10 minutes of live batting practice. He threw seven different types of pitches -- four-seamer, two-seamer, cutter, split, curveball, slider, changeup. Mike Napoli caught Darvish for the second time, and said that the right-hander can spin the ball really well and was getting his splitter to "drop off the table."

Shortstop Elvis Andrus went through a full day's workout for the first time this spring but is still feeling some discomfort at times in the area where he had a wart removed from his left heel. Andrus said that he will decide after Thursday morning's workout whether he will play in Thursday afternoon's intrasquad game.

The Rangers have announced who will pitch in the intrasquad games Thursday and Friday. Only one pitcher, Joe Beimel, will not throw either day.